I WAS SO WRONG
I was so wrong but let me give you a bit of background first. It was a while back now: Daphne and I had only been together once in the last 5 months on her 92nd Birthday on 1st July. This was as England’s lockdown was relaxed a bit and we could meet in her garden for a small family celebration of fewer than 6 people. As this is a good few weeks ago now I thought we must arrange to see each other again soon. In normal times before the Covid-19 pandemic, we’d meet regularly in London. We live on opposite sides of the city and the train system is good and easy for us both. Daphne would be in London two or three times on an average week – modelling, visiting her agent, doing interviews and charity work, going to museums, art galleries, shows and meeting up with friends.
Energetically, as always, Daphne would be pounding the streets and keeping fit, active and up with so many things that London has to offer. This has all changed for now and although London is perfect for being a tourist with no crowds (as sadly there are no overseas tourists and many workers are working from home) it’s not something that appeals to either of us at the present time. Quite rightly everything has to be booked and planned out beforehand and a rigid schedule kept too. The spontaneity is gone and the idea of public transport and an empty city not so appealing.
Daughter Claire
Daphne & Claire with Academy Graduate Jane
Daphne for TKMaxx Give up clothes for good campaign @jasonbellphoto
WHAT WOULD BE A TREAT FOR DAPHNE?
I put my thinking cap one as I wondered what Daphne might like to do that I could make happen for her. Her local friends are visiting and taking her out so she’s not short of company. They visit garden centres and each other in their gardens. Plus she is now back to a daily walk to her local grocery and other shops in her market town. Queuing for more than a few minutes is avoided and if this is the case she will go another time. I thought to myself “Daphne loves clothes and hasn’t had the chance to have a look in any clothes shops recently I expect she’d love that”. I know you can’t try clothing on and have to take a chance with a purchase or two which you can then return if it isn’t the right fit or suits you. But half the fun of looking and shopping together is the dressing room experience and trying different looks out.
I WAS SO WRONG
When I announced my idea Daphne surprised me with her reply! “No thank you, I’ve got so many clothes at home that I don’t have the opportunity to wear at the moment. If I want to do any looking and trying on I can do that from my own wardrobe whenever I like”. I’ve probably forgotten about some of the things I have in there and I don’t need anymore – I can have a good rummage without going out”.
Wow, of course, Daphne is so right. There are clothes in my wardrobe that I haven’t worn lately. There are ones that aren’t suitable for the time of year but there are summery dresses and outfits that I could be wearing in this incredible hot spell we’re having at the moment. I immediately went to my own wardrobe and pulled out a lovely dress that I’d usually keep to wear out for lunch and put in on straightaway. It brightened my day at home.
But then again, I have bought one new item and it’s a gorgeous dress that I will wear when I see Daphne in a few days times. At her request we’re going to a beautiful restaurant where we hope to dine in the garden – I’m hoping the weather will hold……
Do you miss the clothes shopping experience as it used to be?
Have you got things in your wardrobe that you’ve forgotten about?
Are you wearing fabulous outfits every day whatever the day holds?
Do you enjoy online clothes shopping (we’re not that keen – all that packaging and having to send back if not right)?
If someone was treating you to an outing – what would it be?
Do let us know what you think in the comments section below as we’d love to hear.
We do hope that you are doing well and staying healthy in these difficult times – and being your fabulous best self.
Day Out Update
Daphne had her day out treat yesterday. She loved it and enjoyed every minute. It was even more special for being such a rarity these last months of Covid-19 Pandemic.
The English weather had taken a turn for the worse, of course, as it’s famous for! After 5 months of blue skies and some unbelievably high temperatures and mostly wall to wall sunshine, it was cloudy and dank all day but that didn’t spoil the fun. It meant a wardrobe change and Daphne chose a longsleeved dress in a beautiful green with matching cardigan.
We went to the Michelin Guide featured and County Dining Pub of The Year 2020. The Black Horse Inn, Ireland, Bedfordshire, England – yes, that always makes us smile as it’s Ireland in England and not the Emerald Isle!
The food and service were fabulous as you’d expect of an award-winning Inn. The social distancing and Covid-19 safety precautions were very good and we felt safe and comfortable. Daphne had Sea Bass with Spicy Thai sauce and Kohlrabi Salad. Claire had Tuna with Wild Rice plus a delicious Raspberry and Hedgerow Gin. …..And Icecream to follow.
Doesn’t Daphne look fabulous as ever? She’s all ready for modelling so let’s hope it starts up again soon. In the meantime along with Claire she’ll have Modelling Students to look after which will be fun – do see below and come along too:
Coming Soon
MODELLING COURSE
The Daphne Selfe Academy is a 6-week online course. It contains all of Daphne’s unique modelling experience from the 1950s up to the present day. The perfect course to learn all about modelling and the modelling industry. A great way to improve your confidence through obtaining the skills of a model. You don’t need to be a model or wannabe to do it but if it’s a dream then now would be a perfect time.
Click the link above for more information – make sure you add your email address
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Hi Claire, I have been wondering how the two of you were faring this summer.
I have been wearing clothing from my closet at home and enjoying putting together new outfits.
I do love online shopping. Getting packages is a treat, even if it is Just my diet food.
Do you know Trinny Woodall. She has written some fashion books and has a cosmetic line called Trinny London. I follow her on Facebook, but I have not ordered her cosmetics. I am trying some of the skincare products that she recommends.
Love to both of you.
Norma
Hello Norma,
Yes, we do know of Trinny Woodall, she has been a ‘name’ here for many years in the UK in fashion & style. Hope you like her skincare products. Glad to hear that you are enjoying new outfits from your existing wardrobe – what fun.
Love Claire x
I was just looking at all my beautiful Summer dresses this morning and thinking it was a bit sad that I’m not getting many opportunities to wear them. I made the decision to get up every day, do my makeup and wear one of my dresses! I’ll feel better about being at home and I’m sure my partner will appreciate it.
Hi Lindy,
Sounds like great timing and I’m sure your dresses will be so glad to be worn along with your partner and most of all yourself.
Claire x
Greetings Daphne and Claire,❤️❤️
It’s always a joy to receive an update email about your lives, especially since the unfortunate global virus situation and all the Controls going along with it. I’ve wondered about Daphne and how she’s been getting along in life without having her active modeling career schedule etc.
I’m grateful my 85 yr. old mom now lives within walking distance to me. Even though she doesn’t get out much, we still see one another frequently. We take time to go for little outings and she gets to walk in her neighborhood. Thankfully God gave her the wisdom and desire to move to my state before all went down in the world with the virus. It would’ve been more difficult for her has she stayed where she was.
I’m happy to hear that Daphne can still get out with a few friends to the local gardens. Also, that the both of you will be seeing each other soon. That puts a smile on my face! 🙂
Our Creator made us and gave us the desire to connect with others. We are not meant to be alone. It’s just not natural to who we are as human beings. Also, it is healthy for our minds, soul and spirit to enjoy communing with others at the table of delicious food and spending some time in the gardens…nature and all God’s beauty. 💐
When it comes to shopping for garments online, it just isn’t the same for me, as the joy of looking through the racks at a thrift or boutique stores and finding a one-of-a kind item, matching pieces together with the correct colors. It’s an enjoyment Especially when you take a good friend along with you shopping for the fun experience and honest feedback.
I rarely ever buy clothes online!
Actually when it comes to purchasing new clothing, I’m not very impressed with the styles or the quality of the textile these days. When you’ve had the experience to work with a fashion designer and all she uses is natural fibers, it’s difficult to get too excited over what’s being mass produced in other countries with their child and prisoner labor, unhealthy chemical growing fiber and such. Mostly everything is made from polyester and thinly woven and doesn’t hold up well.
As a woman who loves to dress up in style, this kind of garment production takes the “wind out of my sails” a bit when it comes to clothes shopping. If you purchase it online, it’s difficult to know for sure how it feels or has been constructed. I’m looking forward to a little trip next week, as I tour an area in the States where a farmer is growing organic cotton and making textile with it. I pray this can be a new trend in the States!
Speaking of garments,
I do have a recent dress story to share…
..I was at a craft store looking for fabric. I happened to hear a gal explain her “altering“ dress sewing project dilemma (taking an existing new dress and trying to make it longer with new fabric and lace)…while conversing with the employee she stated to her that she wished she could sew. I over heard the conversation. I couldn’t help myself, but said cheerfully to the gal, “ Are you looking for someone who can sew? I can sew! 😀 What do you need help with?” As she explained, I told her that I would be happy to do the project. She was so excited!! I took it home and quickly finished it. We met the next day at the local cafe. I gave back to her, her new “altered pretty black dress. She was elated, loved it, paid for it and thanked me. Our conversation was rather short. Pretty much all business. A few days later I was visiting a new church in town. As I sat down for the morning worship service, this same gal who I had just sewed for, without realizing it sat a couple of seats down from me on the same row. We both did a double take as we looked into each other’s eyes as if to say, “ Hey I just met you didn’t I?” It was great, so sweet. We stood there and laughed and hugged (yes we can do that where I am😀!) We felt it was a Divine Appointment! And since then we worship together. She also invited me and a couple of other people from church to have dinner with her this week.
How fun and a gift from the Lord to have met a stranger in the fabric department of the craft store, talk about her new dress project and now have become church friends? 😀
I think during all this lockdown and social distancing, it’s extremely important that we do what we can to encourage others and ourselves by staying fit, enjoying fashion/style and being extra friendly. I actually have been dressing up more NOW than before the virus. Dressing up in something elegant, colorful, feminine and beautiful, standing tall with good posture and putting a smile on your face brings some sense of healing and joy, not only to my self but to my world! I would like to think, getting one’s self dressed up when going out to see a few folks is a kind of service. It shows forth a love and care for yourself in a healthy regard and to others. It says, “ I cared enough about myself and you, to get dressed up today.” When in our daily lives in this season of our world, it’s easy to become discouraged and “lethargic“ in the way we dress. I desire to do the opposite! 👗
I’m blessed to have taken a couple of modeling courses (one from Daphne and Claire). Also adding to the modeling training, to have learned the art of personal image, fitness, posture therapy and the gift to sew pretty garments. I think these are gifts that we women of the world can give not only ourselves, but a gift we give to other women.
It brings joy to my heart to see Daphne at the age of 92 yrs. old, caring enough to still dress up in her own authentic feminine and graceful style, celebrating life with close friends, while continuing to be an example to me and thousands of other women. Even though our outward fades, the inner (if we let) it, can actually become that much more beautiful and glorious to the world in which we live. May we spend even more time “dressing up” our inner self.
Like I used to tell my customers at a department store I worked for…
…Keep Smiling the World Needs it! 🌎 😀 The world needs you!
Sending my love, blessings and prayers to you both and your readers!
Bj
TN USA
Hello BJ,
You are so blessed to have your Mother so close by especially in these times. What an amazing story about your dressmaking and then meeting on the same pew – God at work most certainly. I love the idea of dressing up our inner self – very good along with Keep Smiling The World Needs It. Now maybe even more than ever.
So lovely to hear from you and your news and inspiring comments
Love Claire X
Thank you, Claire!
Sending Love ❤️ and Hugs 🤗!
I love everything connected with Daphne and daughter Claire . My first meeting with Daphne was at G.O.L.R lodge meeting and I thought she is awesomely beautiful and fragile as china.Then over the past few years as I lowered the heels ! shuffled like an old one etc. I was at Daphne’s 90th. Birthday Party. The most fabulous .
No way is this lady fragile as china, she is jet-propelled, non stop but in the most graceful manner. magical ! I started this message with intentions of deciding where I would like afternoon tea on the lawn surrounded with lovely flowers.For a start I should like a new hat, Pastel shades with large brim . Elbow length gloves to match . With my best wishes, Wynne
Hello Wynne, I love the jet-propelled – very true and Daphne is always so graceful isn’t she!
A new hat sounds good – I have a sunhat on continually at the moment in this UK heatwave.
Love Claire x
It’s great to look at what you already have … so much more eco friendly and it’s fun to rediscover clothes you have not worn for a while! Well done Daphne… and To Claire for being a thoughtful daughter by thinking about what she would like to do xxx
Hello Claire, so lovely to hear from you and to hear that Daphne is well and getting about! What a thrill to see the picture of us at tea last summer! As for your questions about clothing and shopping, I must confess that I haven’t been dressing up at all. I have put makeup on a handful of times since March and usually wear a maxi dress or top and skirt because I am usually sitting to work on the computer or read. I do miss shopping and even browsing in a physical store, but I know I can’t so I don’t fret about it. I cleaned out my closet and it was fun because I re-discovered items I had forgotten about, lol. I haven’t bought many non-necessities online since the pandemic began other than some skincare and a big eyeshadow palette (I figured I’d take the opportunity to watch eye makeup tutorials) as well as a vintage dress that I am in love with that just arrived the other day. I have bought and read PILES of books.
Gosh, if someone were to treat me to an outing it would be somewhere in England! England is my Happy Place. Well, I’d settle for our favorite local Italian restaurant if I have to. 🤣
Lord willing, I will be thrilled to see you and Daphne next summer. 🥰🥰 Please give Daphne my best; I send hugs from across The Pond.
Jane
Xoxo
P.S. everyone: do sign up for Daphne’s modelling course, you will learn so much. 👍
So good to hear from you. What a great idea to learn more about eye makeup and to get a new palate especially now lips are hidden behind a facemask. How lovely to look forward to seeing you next summer – fingers crossed! Enjoy your local Italian and hugs from us both. Xx
Some months ago I decided to do the’ 10 item wardrobe’ It can be a little more or a little l less”. I.Must say I have never enjoyed wearing clothes more. I look at my paired down rail of clothes with delight. It is so easy to find what i want to wear each day. I feel the clothes can breath. i don’t mind not going to dress shops at present. I am really enjoying the break.,I had clothes I had hardly worn in years and have now given them away. I don’t think I can ever go back to my old ways!
Hello Margaret, I really can’t imagine being brave enough to pair down my wardrobe to 10 items. Although I enjoy packing for a trip (remember when we used to do those???) and I’d delight in making a capsule wardrobe. Everyone was always amazed at how light I travelled. Well done you I just couldn’t bear to do it. I’m glad you are getting so much enjoyment from the clothes you have.
Love Claire
I enjoy purchasing from local and ebay resell sites. I like to purchase clothes by Vivienne Westwood, Betty Hadikusumo and Dress to Kill. I fit One Size Fits All.
Hi Claire,
Wonderful to read you and Daphne are doing well.
Since the beginning of COVID, I have downsized my wardrobe, and only wearing clothes that make me feel amazing. There is a clothing boutique where I purchased a lot of my clothes over the last 5 years – the pandemic has made the experience more challenging (appointments preferred instead of walking in if I was in the neighborhood), the owner more focused on LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and Google reviews instead of providing great customer service, restrictions (wearing a mask, sanitizing , how many people allowed in the boutique at any one time) I don’t shop on line for clothes – I prefer the experience of seeing the item for myself and engaging with store staff. I am also more focused on clothing made in my own country (Canada) instead of the far East.
Take care and stay safe.
Cindy from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
Since the pandemic, I have downsized my closet, only keeping pieces that I look and feel amazing in. I don’t shop on line for clothes – I prefer seeing items in person and engaging with the staff.
My home away from home is Dublin, Ireland. I travelled to London in 2018, and I want to go back when the world calms down (perhaps spending a few days in London followed by a few days in Dublin).
Take care, Claire and Daphne. Love from Canada.
I have downsized my wardrobe to items that make me feel and look amazing. For clothes and shoes, I will shop in person rather than on-line. I like to try things on and also engage with the staff.
When the world calms down, I would love to return to London and/or Dublin. My only visit to London was via a tour in 2018, and there is still so much to see and do.
Love from Canada.
Hi Claire and Daphne,
Wonderful article. I am going through my wardrobe and keeping items that make me look and fell amazing. Anything I don’t wear, I donate to charity.
I prefer shopping in person, to try things on and engage with the staff. If I need to purchase something new, I want to support local designers.
Love from Canada.
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for all your lovely comments – sounds like we are on the same page!
Best wishes to you, Claire